Cleveland, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released its preliminary report on the tragic five-vehicle crash in Licking County that claimed the lives of six people and injured 20 others. Body camera footage was also shared by the authorities, shedding light on the devastating incident.
The crash occurred on November 14 and involved a charter bus carrying members of the Tusky Valley High School marching band. Tragically, three students were among those who lost their lives.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
The report identifies the vehicles involved as Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Unit 1 was a tractor-trailer located at the back of the line of cars. Unit 2 was an SUV with a teacher and two band volunteers ahead of the tractor-trailer. Unit 3 was the charter bus carrying the band, followed by Unit 4, another SUV. Unit 5 was the leading tractor-trailer.
According to the report, the chain reaction crash occurred when Units 2, 3, 4, and 5 slowed down due to an accident scene.
The tractor-trailer (Unit 1), owned by Mid State Systems Inc., collided with Unit 2, then continued to collide with Unit 3, the charter bus. Shockingly, the tractor-trailer “overrode” the SUV, crushing it under its weight. The charter bus was then struck from behind, causing it to hit Unit 4 and push it aside. Finally, the bus collided with Unit 5, the leading tractor-trailer.
Authorities have confirmed that the term “overriding” means that the tractor-trailer ran over and remained on top of the SUV until first responders arrived at the scene.
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
The report concludes that the tractor-trailer at the back of the line was “following too closely,” which played a significant role in triggering the chain-reaction accident. No other vehicle was deemed responsible for contributing to the incident.
This heartbreaking incident has left a community in mourning and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities will continue to gather evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
